Table of Contents

• Purpose
  
• Forms
  
• Introduction
  
• Drivers of State Vehicles
  
• To Obtain Coverage
  
• Premium Payment
  
• Use of Private Automobiles on University Business
  
• Claims Processing
  

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Purpose

Automobile liability insurance insures against third party bodily injury or property damage losses arising from the use or maintenance of vehicles. This insurance is mandatory for all State/University-owned automobiles and is provided through the Department of Financial Services. As used herein, the term “State Vehicle” means a licensed vehicle designed for road use that is a University-owned automobile.

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Forms

Format			Form Number	Form Name
web	doc	pdf
			EHS 2-9	Automobile Accident Report
			EHS 2-12	Automobile Claimant Checklist
				Lien Disclosure Form

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Introduction

The coverage under this plan is limited to $100,000 per claim, $200,000 per accident combined for:

Bodily Injury Liability: Such coverage provides financial protection against any claim for bodily injury to others arising from accidents involving State Vehicle. Bodily injury protection for University employees is provided by Workers' Compensation Insurance.

Property Damage Liability: Such coverage provides financial protection against any claim for damage to property of others arising from accidents involving a State Vehicle.

The FSU Board of Trustees is not authorized to provide medical payments coverage (voluntary settlement of medical expenses) for non-employees who are driving or occupying a State Vehicle. Non-employees traveling in a State Vehicle should be made aware of this prior to any travel. It is suggested that signed waivers holding the University and the FSU Board of Trustees harmless in the event of accident be obtained from any non-employee who may have occasion to travel in a State Vehicle. Waivers for minors should be executed by parents or guardians. A standard waiver form may be obtained from the University Attorney.

The providing of protection for physical damage to a State Vehicle licensed for use and operation on the public highways of Florida is prohibited under Florida Statutes 287.025. Thus, such losses must be self-assumed. Physical damage coverage, including comprehensive (fire, theft, vandalism) may be provided on leased or loaned automobiles if specifically required by written agreement.

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Drivers of State Vehicles

All drivers of State Vehicles must meet the requirements of OP-C-9 Use of State/University Vehicles (licensed vehicles or University-owned automobiles). Individuals responsible for State Vehicles must visually inspect the drivers' license of a prospective driver before allowing him/her to operate the vehicle. While it is not required by Florida law that drivers of vans have chauffeur's licenses, unless the van is transporting passengers who pay for the transportation, this requirement is highly recommended for drivers of University vans. Department heads may make the determination as to whether to impose this restriction on vans assigned to their department, but it is advised as sound policy by the EH&S.

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To Obtain Coverage

When a department purchases an automobile, property records obtains the registration and tag for the automobile from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. Property records then provides the department with the registration and tag. Property records notifies EH&S of new vehicle purchases, vehicle transfers, or vehicles to be surplused. Automobiles are not authorized for use until the department receives the registration and tag from Property Records.

Coverage begins upon the notification being received by the Insurance and Claims Manager, EH&S. A vehicle insurance card will be supplied by Property Records to the department to be retained in the glove compartment of the vehicle. If the card should be lost, EH&S will provide a duplicate.

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Premium Payment

An annual premium assessment is charged, weighted by the University loss experience, to each department having a State Vehicle. Questions concerning premiums may be directed to the Senior Accountant.

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Use of Private Automobiles on University Business

While it would be desirable to provide that all University business requiring use of vehicular transportation be conducted in a State Vehicle, it is clearly not possible to make such a provision viable in normal University operation. Therefore, it is necessary to establish limitations on the use of personal or rental vehicles compatible with the University's objectives.

It should be made clear that in consideration of the payment to an employee, agent, or volunteer by the University of a mileage charge for the use of a personal vehicle that:

The vehicle is to be used on University business only with permission and knowledge of the University.

At all times when on University business, minimum statutory insurance requirements must be carried.

The Director, Environmental Health and Safety, will be advised of any accident occurring while on University business.

The financial loss for damage to the vehicle shall not be reimbursed by the University in the event of an accident while on University business.

For details concerning use of privately owned vehicles see OP-D-2-D7 Travel.

The State of Florida currently maintains a vehicle rental contract with Avis Rent A Car. For details concerning use of Avis rentals cars see http://www.vpfa.fsu.edu/control/forms/printonly/rentalcontract2004.pdf.

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Claims Processing

In the event of an accident in a State Vehicle, the Insurance and Claims Manager must be notified immediately. The Insurance and Claims Manager will assist in completing the necessary paperwork (Form EHS 2-9 and 2-14) to be submitted to the DFS in order to file a claim for recovery of damage to the property of others. In the event that the accident results in injury or death of an employee, EH&S shall be notified immediately. A Notice of Injury must be completed and submitted to the EH&S within 24 hours following the department's knowledge of the accident.

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